Snap caps

ABSTRACT

A SNAP CAPS article utilizes a uniquely designed hat that has the capability of an interchangeable logo, design, or prop. This hat permits users to easily change the components of the hat through the use of a connection of three separate pieces to permit the interchangeable logo, design, or prop be part of a hat. The SNAP CAPS item includes a wearable item having one or more attachment component located along an outside surface of the wearable item, and one or more attachment items having a display side and an attachment side, each of the one or more attachment items having a mating component capable of coupling with a corresponding attachment component. The one or more attachment component being coupled to the corresponding one or more mating component displays the display side of the one or more attachment items on a visible surface of the wearable item.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/835,964, titled “SNAP CAPS,” and filed on Apr. 18, 2019. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a cap where different logos and emblems can be attached; and more specifically, the present invention is designed to act as an external piece to the cap that is interchangeable.

BACKGROUND

People wear hats of many types, and at various times these people desire to wear hats that present a different emblem or logo on the hat. Currently, users are required to obtain a separate hat for each emblem or logo that is desired to be part of a hat that the user may wear. Requiring users to possess a large number of hats while being able to store, organize, locate, and then maintain them presents many difficulties for each user to deal with at any time. In many cases, a user wishes to wear a similar hat that merely contains different emblems or logos depending upon the date, time, and circumstances faced by a user.

The present invention attempts to address the existing limitations in supporting a Snap Cap idea that utilizes a uniquely designed hat that has the capability of an interchangeable logo, design, or prop. This hat permits users to easily change the components of the hat through the use of a connection of three separate pieces according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing a wearable, customizable cap having various interchangeable components.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a wearable, customizable hat having various interchangeable components. The SNAP CAPS item includes a wearable item having one or more attachment component located along an outside surface of the wearable item, and one or more attachment items having a display side and an attachment side, each of the one or more attachment items having a mating component capable of coupling with a corresponding attachment component. The one or more attachment component being coupled to the corresponding one or more mating component displays the display side of the one or more attachment items on a visible surface of the wearable item.

The great utility of the invention is that the article of manufacture may permit users to easily change the components of the hat through the use of a connection of three separate pieces according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of one example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top front unassembled perspective view of an example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top rear unassembled perspective view of an example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of an example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top front unassembled perspective view of a second embodiment of one example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of a second embodiment of one example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top front unassembled perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of a third embodiment of one example embodiment for a snap cap item according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing users with a cap that permits the easy change of the components of the hat through the use of a connection of three separate pieces according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “50-250 micrometers” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 50 micrometers and about 250 micrometers, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 60, 70, and 80 micrometers, and sub-ranges such as from 50-100 micrometers, from 100-200, and from 100-250 micrometers, etc.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error, and the like and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly,” consistent with the discussion above regarding ranges and numerical data.

The term “user” and “wearer” refers to an entity, e.g. a human, that wears a cap according to the present invention in order to bring about a desired effect or outcome, particularly provide the user an ability to interchange logos or emblems on a single cap. The terms “user” and “wearer” may be used herein interchangeably.

In general, the present invention relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing users with a cap that permits the easy change of the components of the hat through the use of a connection of three separate pieces according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of one example embodiment for a snap cap item 100 according to the present invention. A Snap Caps 100 is a hat 101 worn by an individual and the snap caps 100 has 3 pieces: a holder of the emblem or logo 102, a back piece connector 103, and a wearable cap 101. The user may remove the holder of the emblem or logo 102 by simply disconnecting the holder from the back piece connector 103. A substitute holder may be attached to the hat 101 using the back piece connector 103 in a similar manner. These substitute holders may contain any number of different logos, emblems or other items with which the wearer wishes to adorn the hat 101 at any given time.

FIG. 2 is a top front unassembled perspective view of an example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. The back connector 103 making the connection between the emblem holder 102 on the outside of the hat 101 to the back connector piece 103 on the inside creates a secure connection through the use of either a snap button, magnet or stitching and a third piece, being the logo/emblem 102 itself.

While the back piece connector 103 is shown on the hat 101 to be located in a center position on the front of the hat 101, the back piece connector 103 may be located at any location on the hat 101. Additionally, more than one back piece connector 103 may be included on the hat 101 in alternate embodiments. The use of multiple back piece connectors 103 permits a main logo to be located on the hat 101 at a prominent location, while other logos and items associated with related parties, specific events and dates, and sponsors also may be part of the hat 101 at any given time. These items may also include unique items such as names of individuals and other parties to permit personalization of the hat 101 in addition to display of various logos and other emblems.

FIG. 3 is a top rear unassembled perspective view of the example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a hat 101 is shown having an emblem holder 302 displayed on its rear side. An emblem connector 303 a is attached to the rear of the emblem holder 302 where the emblem connector 303 a couples to a mating back piece connector 303 b shown protruding through the hat 101. The two mating connectors engage with each other to secure the emblem holder 302 to the hat 101 while a user wears the hat and displays the emblem.

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of the example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. The back piece connector 401 fits inside the hat 101 and protrudes through a hole in the hat 101. The emblem holder 402 is shown with its emblem connector 403 protruding from its back side. The emblem connector 403 engages the reverse side of the back piece connector 401 (not shown) to secure the emblem holder 402 to the hat 101 while a user wears the hat and displays the emblem.

FIG. 5 is a top front unassembled perspective view of a second embodiment of one example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a Snap Caps hat 501 uses magnets, for example neodymium magnets, placed into the emblem holder 502 on the front of the hat 101. A magnet 604 may be either sewn into the hat or attached to a back-piece holder on the inside brim 110. The connection made between the emblem holder 502 and brim uses a snap button, stitching or magnets.

FIG. 6 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of the second embodiment of one example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. An example of a hat 601 is shown along with an emblem holder 602 that has an emblem magnet 603 attached to its back side. A hat magnet 604 is shown on the inside of the hat 601 at a location in which the emblem is to be attached on the outside of the hat 601. The hat magnet 604 may be attached in one of many ways having the hat magnet protrude through the hat 601 in some embodiments, or merely attached to the inside material of the hat 601. The hat magnet 604 and the emblem magnet 603 must be oriented with their respective magnetic poles having an orientation causing the two magnets to be attracted to each other. The strength of the magnet field for these magnets must be sufficient to hold the emblem holder 602 in place while the hat 601 is worn. In alternate embodiments, the emblem magnet 603 and hat magnet 604 may be replaced with a magnet and a piece of ferrous metal. In such an arrangement, the item consisting of a magnet is attracted to the metal by the magnetic force of the magnet and the emblem holder 602 may be held in place as discussed above if the magnetic field from the magnet is sufficient to hold the weight of the emblem 602 in place while the hat 601 is worn.

FIG. 7 is a top front unassembled perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, another style of interchangeable logos would be through the use of a snap button or similar attachment device. In this embodiment, the emblem holder 702 will just be a snap device that couples to the attachment cross attached to the emblem or logo.

FIG. 8 is a bottom rear unassembled perspective view of the third embodiment of one example embodiment for a Snap Caps item according to the present invention. Lastly, an attachment component, such as a snap button 704, the button aspect of the hat 701, is sewn to the front of the hat 701 and a mating component, such as a rivet 705, is glued or adhered to the back of the logo/emblem 702. The snap button 704 and the rivet 705 connect when snapped together. One of the additions to the hat 701 may include a pair of two loops, one on each side of the hat. This acts as a holder for pens, pencils, or sunglasses.

In another embodiment of the present invention a simpler, more cost-effective way of holding the emblem in place firmly on the hat instead of magnets, Velcro, or snap button technology may be used. The use of plastic tabs on the top, bottom, and sides of the emblem holder are similar to the attachment tabs used to hold together smoke detectors. The hat 701 has potential for further additions, including but not limited to: a spinning emblem mechanism such as a gyro, LED lights placed on the emblem or around the hat, flashing lights, emblems used with precious metals such as gold and silver, and embedded diamonds or other precious jewels, stones, metals or accessories for customers with more expensive/exotic tastes. The LED lights on various embodiments may be powered with a battery pack or use of solar light capabilities.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about,” whether or not the term “about” is present. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in the testing measurements.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following claims.

In this specification including any claims, the term “each” may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with the open-ended term “comprising,” the recitation of the term “each” does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or more specified characteristics. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A SNAP CAP item comprises: a wearable item having one or more attachment component located along an outside surface of the wearable item; and one or more attachment items having a display side and an attachment side, each of the one or more attachment items having a mating component capable of coupling with a corresponding attachment component, wherein the one or more attachment component being coupled to the corresponding one or more mating component displays the display side of the one or more attachment items on a visible surface of the wearable item.
 2. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 1, wherein the display side of one more of the attachment items includes an interchangeable logo, design, or prop.
 3. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 2, wherein the attachment component comprises a snap button and the mating component comprises an attachment nipple.
 4. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 2, wherein the attachment component comprises a button-hole within a backing layer and the mating component comprises a button.
 5. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 2, wherein the wearable item comprises a hat.
 6. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 5, wherein one of the mating components is located on a front surface of the wearable item causing the attachment item to be displayed on the front of the wearable item when coupled to the attachment component.
 7. The SNAP CAP item according to claim 2, the attachment component comprises a magnet and the mating component comprises a metal surface. 